Blue Devils return to elusive regional berth, remembering those who paved the way – News-Herald

While there may have been 11 players on the field Oct. 26 during Rocky River’s Division IV district final against Perry, in some ways it seemed much bigger than it was for the Wycliffe girls.

The Blue Devils clinched their first district crown and region berth in girls high school soccer with a 3-2 victory over the Pirates.

And as the celebration began along the eastern fault line near Rocky River, the thoughts were saved for those who walked ahead.

Wickliffe vs. Perry: Girls soccer: Blue Devils capture first regional in program history in 3-2 thriller

The path to this breakthrough was undoubtedly difficult, especially at the district level. Between the 2023 district final loss to Waynedale that ended in a seven-round shootout after 20 shots on goal in regulation and overtime, the 2022 overtime loss to Norwayne and the 2020 semifinal that never happened due to a positive test for COVID On the day of the match, this run was multi-layered.

“I know these seniors, juniors, sophomores, players that have been here for a few years, seen last year and seen the year before,” Wycliffe coach Steve Hrybovich said. “These girls have wanted this district for so long and the program has wanted it for so long. The community has wanted this for so long. And these girls wanted to bring him home. And they did it. They just did a great job digging.

“I’m sure there was additional motivation for them. When you have girls who play like that, it’s very easy to coach.”

Wycliffe senior midfielder Leah Skufka talks about her team’s 3-2 D4 District Final win over Perry at Rocky River in the Blue Devils’ District 1 on lore
This senior group knows better than anyone how hard the road has been to finally achieve this breakthrough pic.twitter.com/uIST795D4x

— Chris Lilllstrung (@CLillstrungNH) October 27, 2024

One source of motivation for the team, senior standout Ava Gabriel said, was the uncertainty surrounding the graduation of All-Ohio midfielder Eliza Wills and versatile senior Annabella Stoer after they went 17-2 a year ago.

“I think we had such good chemistry with each other and we just worked so well together,” Gabriel said of the 2024 side. “We know how we play. We played together for so many years. We just work really well with each other.”

Wickliffe is off to an 0-1-2 start this fall, including a 3-1 loss at Berkshire on Friday Night Football in August. The Blue Devils have won 15 of 16 since, conceding just five goals.

Two of those came off the electric legs of Perry senior forward Jordan Rowan in the district final as the Pirates battled back from a 2-0 deficit to tie the game before Gabriel’s game-winning goal in the 69th minute. Wycliffe was aware of the difficulties associated with Rowan and did his best to accept them until this elusive result was achieved.

Of course, the celebration couldn’t last long, as the Blue Devils will host Poland Seminary in the D-IV regional semifinals at 7:00 p.m. on Oct. 29 in Tallmadge.

But there was at least one breakthrough. Maybe, just maybe, there’s more to come.

With the dents that have been put into this mission along the way, it’s not just the 11 who were on the field and saw it in those moments of decline at Rocky River, rejoicing to see this result from afar.

“It’s been a long time,” said Hrybovich. “That year related to COVID-19 was truly devastating. And we had our travels during this time. Kirtland (district semifinal in 2022), which was two days, and the win at home was a little off the mark And then we just kept getting better and better.

“I wouldn’t say it makes it any sweeter than it is. Because for the sake of the girls, I know they wanted it every time. They gave their best every time. one home for these seniors, especially our nine seniors, is a really good feeling.”